(Cincinnati, Ohio) – Former UFC Middleweight Champion Rich “Ace” Franklin today announced that he incurred a torn labrum (shoulder injury) in training 10 days ago, and after consulting with specialists, will undergo minor surgery next Tuesday, September 13.
Franklin was training in a routine grappling practice at his gym when the injury occurred. Following the surgery, the physician stated that Franklin can expect a full recovery in approximately two to three months, and after a period of physical therapy, can return to training again.
“The timing of this shoulder injury is unfortunate considering my fight was pulled from the UFC 133 card, but I know everything will go as planned and that I will recover quickly,” said Franklin. “The UFC is being supportive, and I hope my fans also will be understanding – I promise to get back in the Octagon and fight again as soon as possible.”
Franklin was scheduled to fight Antonio Rogerio Nogueira as the co-main event of UFC 133, but the fight was pulled from the card when it was announced that Nogueira was injured and unable to compete. Franklin last fought at UFC 126 on February 5, 2011 in a light heavyweight bout against former 205-pound champion Forrest Griffin. Overall, he holds a record of 28-6-0, 1NC and has battled the who’s who of fighting legends in the UFC including Chuck Liddell, Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Dan Henderson, Wanderlei Silva, Yushin Okami and Matt Hamill.
Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, Franklin was a high school Math teacher when he first started training in mixed martial arts. After finding success as professional fighter, he eventually left his career in education to pursue the sport full-time. In 2005, he reached the pinnacle in mixed martial arts when he defeated the late Evan Tanner to win the UFC middleweight title.
Since then, Franklin has risen as one of the most popular fighters in the world and a UFC fan favorite. He serves as a spokesperson for Disabled American Veterans, runs the successful lifestyle brand of clothing “American Fighter” and has recently entered the world of acting with roles in “Cyborg Soldier” and “The Hammer.”
In July, it was announced that Eric Eisner’s Double E Pictures will produce a film chronicling the story of Franklin’s life titled, “American Fighter.”
For more information about Rich “Ace” Franklin, please visit www.richfranklin.com,
